When we had covid there was a tremendous surge in home grown hobbies and talents that came out of the woodwork as a result of folk having enforced time on their hands. There were hundreds of little craft outfits able to trade and many videos on the global video site. There was never any excuse for not knowing how to turn a German short sock toe or finish it with kitchener stitch. Then with the sewing community, the number of sewing machines sold was astronomical – helped of course by the fantastic British sewing bee on tv. If ever there was a fantastic life saver for most folk, it was that gloriously comforting vision in front of us with very personable characters coming forward to show off talents that most folk could learn, eventually.
Knitting and crochet have been country past times and during lockdowns these skills came out of the cupboard big time. So many fantastic hand knitting patterns became available and the crochet ideas were off the scale! The fantastic thing about an online video is being able to watch someone demonstrate the very item you desperately need to learn, or be reminded of. My own house is enhanced by a handful of fantastically colourful quilts made by a relative; they are all so gorgeous. Very precise quilting and far too beautiful to be put on a sales table, whatever the funds needed! There is one with applique classic cars embroidered to the front – the quilt was designed for the maker’s best friend’s husband who was a car buff. Unfortunately just as the quilt was being completed, the guy died suddenly and it became impossible to hand over to his widow. So I am the very lucky recipient of said quilt. it has lots of rich red tones and tones with the feature fireplace in my sitting room. So very perfect. The materials, skill and time needed for such an item, if costed in real terms would have ended up being about £180, but sadly of course no one will pay the fair rate for it.
There are many shops still open from those times ad it is critical that we support them. Many offer classes and tutoring in a particular set of skills. Unless locals get behind heir little store on the high street, they will eventually close in the face of competition from the big boys.